Robert D Stout

US Patent:

20030028285, Feb 6, 2003

Filed:

Dec 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/036656

Inventors:

Christopher Zura - Houston TX, US
Robert Stout - Houston TX, US
Jonathan Guthrie - Houston TX, US
Chris Duhon - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

ADDITECH, INC. - HOUSTON TX

International Classification:

G06F017/00

US Classification:

700/241000

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for fuel and fuel additive dispensing is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable intermediary module is disposed in the path of communication of control and data signals between a fuel dispenser station and a point-of-sale (POS) controller subsystem. The intermediary module is programmable to intercept communications (control and data signals) transmitted between the dispenser and the POS controller, such that it can monitor, inject, intercept, filter, capture, convert, and/or modify communications between the fuel dispenser and and the POS controller. The intermediary module enables various enhanced control, monitoring, and reporting functions to be performed remotely and automatically. Further, the intermediary module enables various retail transactions to be integrated into a conventional fueling transaction without the necessity of extensive modification to an existing POS control subsystem. Additionally, the system supports a variety of interactive, real-time promotional and advertising operations to be conducted at the fueling station. In the disclosed embodiment, the intermediary module is coupled to and programmed and controlled by a control module which itself is coupled by a link to a central server. The server is preferably Internet-connected, and may additionally be functionally coupled to a local or wide-area network associated with the fuel retailer.

US Patent:

20070276619, Nov 29, 2007

Filed:

Dec 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/023890

Inventors:

Byron Sugahara - Vero Beach FL, US
Avrum Freelund - Glen Cove NY, US
Hal Haygood - Sugar Land TX, US
Robert Goertz - Sugar Land TX, US
John Chester - Katy TX, US
Stephen Poole - Houston TX, US
Robert Stout - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Great American Lines, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

G06F 19/00
G06F 17/40

US Classification:

702082000, 702001000, 702127000, 702081000, 702084000, 702189000, 702187000

Abstract:

The container inspection system operates globally at container handling facilities around the world and includes at least one transport apparatus located at a container handling facility having a spreader or other framework for connecting and handling cargo containers of all shapes and sizes. The transport apparatus is in communication with a computer network including several computing devices that provide to the transport apparatus comparison data including load models, load signatures, weight profile, and sensory limits related to a particular container. Sensors can be located on the spreader, inside the container, and invasively through the container and provide scanned characteristic data that is compared to the comparison data to determine a pass status or a fail status for the container. Ancillary data and authority input may be provided to the system by outside sources, such as other inspection systems and governmental entities. The transport apparatuses then move the connected container to a first location if a pass status is determined and a second location if a fail status is determined. The computer network may include a global host computer, a local host computer, and a local transport computer and employs expert system methodology.

US Patent:

51144255, May 19, 1992

Filed:

May 25, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/528926

Inventors:

Robert E. Williams - Houston TX
William H. Marshall - Houston TX
Robert B. Stout - Houston TX
John J. McCourt - Houston TX

Assignee:

Novatec Medical Products, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

606034

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for detecting adulteration or a condition of near-adulteration of a glove used in critical use application such as in surgery where the gloves are worn by the surgeon and are exposed to the body fluids of a patient. The apparatus and method includes the detection not only of a particular level of conductivity which may be caused by a hole or thin spot in the glove but also the detection of a sudden change in conductivity which may be caused by a sudden change in the condition of the glove, such as the opening of a hole or a sudden thinning of the glove. In this manner, the apparatus and method provides detection not only for an actual condition of the glove but also for a change in condition of the glove. In addition, the circuit is a low impedance circuit, which automatically and continuously discharge static charge build-up on the surgeon.